Alumni Spotlight: Megan Brooks (Butler)
Class of 2012, Founding Member of the Marymount Black Alumni Club
Hometown:
Baltimore, Md.
Degree:
BA in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
Current Role:
Senior Merchant, Women & Girls Apparel & Accessories at Under Armour
Where are you from, and what brought you to Marymount University?
I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland, so Marymount felt like the perfect distance from home — close enough to feel comfortable, but far enough to gain independence. I’ve always loved fashion, but I hadn’t seriously considered studying fashion merchandising until I visited Marymount. A family friend who attended the university invited me to the Portfolio in Motion student fashion show, and seeing students actively engaged in the program made a lasting impression. That visit really solidified my decision to apply and ultimately attend Marymount.
What was your overall experience like at Marymount?
My experience at Marymount was incredibly positive and formative. I learned a lot about myself, especially in terms of leadership, time management and taking initiative. I became very involved on campus, which helped me feel connected and build strong relationships. Marymount’s diverse student population also played a big role in shaping my experience and broadening my perspective. My academic experience in the Fashion Merchandising program allowed me to explore both the creative and strategic sides of the fashion industry, which ended up being foundational for my career and current role at Under Armour.
Getting involved on campus was essential to enhancing my Marymount experience, especially since there was a large commuter population at the time. Clubs and organizations became the heart of my college experience. Fashion Club was my primary involvement — I participated all four years and served as president during my senior year. Through clubs, Black Student Union events and campus activities, I found community, built lifelong friendships and developed leadership skills that I still use today.
What has your career trajectory looked like since graduation?
After graduating, I realized that I was more interested in buying and merchandising than marketing. I became especially drawn to the strategic side of the business, selecting products, managing inventory and understanding consumer behavior. I started as an assistant buyer at a local retail company in Washington, D.C., then moved on to roles at FILA and later DTLR, where I managed men’s apparel and accessories for up to 250 stores and online platforms. About four years ago, I joined Under Armour, where I currently work in merchandising and have had opportunities to work on both global and North American business initiatives.
Working for a major international retailer has been an incredibly dynamic and rewarding experience. The apparel and sportswear industry moves very quickly, so adaptability is key. You have to balance staying true to the brand while responding to trends and consumer needs. No two days are the same, and the work challenges you to think strategically while remaining flexible and forward-thinking.
You are a founding member of the Marymount Black Alumni Club. Why did you want to be a part of this initiative?
The Black Alumni Club is about connection, representation and support. Many alumni want to stay engaged with Marymount but may feel disconnected over time. This club creates a space to reconnect with classmates, meet alumni from different generations and build a stronger sense of community. It also allows us to support current students by creating access to mentorship, networking and professional guidance from alumni who understand their experiences. We know that the transition from college to professional life can be overwhelming. It can be challenging to navigate your first job, build a resume, or figure out your next steps. Being able to offer guidance, encouragement and perspective is incredibly meaningful to me. The Black Alumni Club helps create a clear pathway for those connections to happen.
What advice would you give to students who are just starting their college journey and those who are just about to graduate?
For new college students: don’t be afraid to explore. Take classes outside your major, try new things and allow yourself to make mistakes. Marymount offers a strong support system through professors, advisors and staff, make sure you lean into that. Asking for help and being open to learning are some of the most valuable things you can do during your college experience.
For those graduating soon: be patient and gentle with yourself. Very few people get their first job exactly right, and that’s completely OK. Focus on building real, meaningful relationships rather than treating networking as transactional. The strongest professional connections often develop over time, and those relationships can have a lasting impact on your career.
